Couldn't figure out why we had a slow drip from the Racor primary fuel filter, which flowed considerable fuel into the bilge while we were away for about six weeks. After changing the filter and generally messing around without success, we removed the holder and discovered that the powder coated surface that the filter gasket seals against had deteriorated. The coating had lifted off the metal, allowing fuel to leak. The coating was still in place until we removed the filter and then it simply fell away. Obviously the gasket sealed against the coating, but the coating was no longer sealed to the metal. Seems like a design problem to me. We gently sanded all the coating from the sealing surface and now the gasket seals tightly to the bare metal. And we also learned to shut off the fuel at the tank when we are leaving the boat for any considerable time. That way, if there is a leak, gravity won't empty the tank.
Dave C
"Corvus"
Mk II #2116
I had the same problem. It took me a while to figure out the problem. Yes I think that area should not be painted as the paint will be dissolved eventually and cause an irregular surface to be formed. I sanded and washed the cover and dipped into diesel oil to make sure there was no left over dust. It is tight now and no leaks. I do not shut off the tank valve - but that is a good idea.
Sail La Vie 1999 Catalina 36 MKII, M35B-17031, Coyote Point, San Mateo, CA
About Sail La Vie
Where should I look for fuel shut off valve? MK 2, 2000, hull 1897.
thanks.
peter g
2000 C36, MK2, Hull. #1897
wonderful, wonderful, wonderful ! ! !. 5 th Catalina
David S. Power
Two If By Sea #1687
Burnt Store Marina
Punta Gorda, FL
This is great! I'm having the same exact issue and was about to just replace the whole filter assembly when it was hard to see why there wasn't another way to stop the leak.
Thanks very much for sharing your solution to this issue.
Sam
Capt. Sam Murphy
1994 Catalina 36, Hull 1327
Shoal draft, two cabin model.
Panama City, Florida
Here are the images of the fuel valve that is accessible from the port lazarette . Under the other cover is the sender unit. I have also included the fuel tank itself. The valve is on the very right upper side.
Since removing the filter was not possible by hand only and I could not insert the rubber strap filter removal tool behind the filter - I placed a 1/4" starboard spacer to move the filter attachment away so that the rubber strap would easily fit behind the filter.
Sail La Vie 1999 Catalina 36 MKII, M35B-17031, Coyote Point, San Mateo, CA
About Sail La Vie
I need to wonder about the quality of racor in general. I had a fuel starvation issue last summer. I changed the engine fuel filter twice and everything was fine for maybe 15 hrs of motoring and then the same symptoms. I opened the fuel filter the second time and it was full of what looked like rust. I couldn't figure out where the rust was from until I removed the racor filter. It was rusted almost through. The filter plugged the filter. I will remove the filter this year as I think it presents a hazard.
John and Linda, have you also changed the element in the Racor filter assembly when you changed the engine filter? They should both be changed at the same time. The only way for the primary (Racor) filter to become rusty is if the element isn't changed or drained and water accumulates. Everything but the element is either plastic, brass, or aluminum, I believe. They should both be changed every 100 hours, according to the instructions I am aware of, although some only change the primary every 200 hours, if their fuel is clean.
Dave C
"Corvus"
Mk II #2116
I stand corrected. The service instruction on the Racor website for 200 series filter/water separator (who knew you should read the instructions?!) says "Replace the element every 10,000 miles, every 500 hours of operation, every other oil change, annually or if power loss is noticed, whichever comes first." I guess I've been giving too much money to Racor, because those elements aren't cheap. I'll change my schedule.
Dave C
"Corvus"
Mk II #2116
Is there a fuel cut-off at the Racor?
Enrique
Talisman
1998 36 MK2 Hull #1673
Tall Rig Wing Keel
M35BC engine
Old Saybrook, CT Summer
South Glastonbury, CT Winter
Dave C
"Corvus"
Mk II #2116
There's a fuel cut-off at the other end of the fuel line where it comes out of the tank. I am reluctant to cut the line any more than absolutely necessary as it just creates another place for a leak.
All you have to do is open the cutout in the port cockpit locker and you should find the cutoff.... a lot easier than adding a new cutoff IMHO.
Chuck Parker
HelenRita 2072 Mk II
2002 Tall Rig - Winged Keel
Atlantic Highlands, NJ
Dave C,
Thanks for this post!
I've been struggling with a similar diesel leak at the RACOR filter unit, about a teaspoon a day. In an attempt to isolate the small leak, I resorted to putting a small plastic trash bag around the RACOR unit, to collect any fuel leaking. Sure enough, it is the RACOR unit.
I bet I am experiencing the same issue of the paint lifting off the metal at the gasket as you describe.
I will let you know!
#2164 M35B 2003 year
Thanks
Steven Jones
C36/375IA FaceBook group administrator
C36/375IA Jib Sheet Editor 2012
Seal Beach, CA, USA
C36 #2164 Maléna 2003 Mk-II SRig/FullK, Long Beach, CA
stevenjones21@gmail.com
Dave, thanks for your posting! It helped me identify the same type of slow Diesel fuel leak in my C36 #2164 (2003 year). My Racor filter’s paint also had delaminated from the gasket surface! Sanded the surface, installed a new filter. Your post really helped me ID my leak. Here’s a photo of the paint pieces flaked off from the filter’s gasket surface.
Steven Jones
C36/375IA FaceBook group administrator
C36/375IA Jib Sheet Editor 2012
Seal Beach, CA, USA
C36 #2164 Maléna 2003 Mk-II SRig/FullK, Long Beach, CA
stevenjones21@gmail.com